Organised by the Embassy of France in Singapore, and co-presented by Alliance Française de Singapour, Shaw Organisation and The Projector.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 18 October 2023 – Mark your calendars from 9th to 21st November 2023 as the vOilah! French Film Festival returns in Singapore, boasting its biggest lineup yet. With a curation of 38 films that capture the essence of French cinema, the 39^th edition promises an unforgettable journey through the realms of cinematic storytelling. Film enthusiasts can immerse in a diverse array of genres catering to every cinematic palate, from thought-provoking documentaries to thrilling blockbusters, including 16 family-friendly titles presented with a younger audience in mind. "The vOilah! French Film Festival, deeply embedded in Singapore's cultural landscape as the longest running foreign film festival here, continues to celebrate the enduring success of the bilateral relations between both nations", said the Ambassador of France to Singapore, Ms Minh-Di Tang. "This year, we are also enthusiastic about showcasing a thoughtfully curated selection of truly captivating stories that spotlight pressing environmental issues. Through these films, we aim to foster essential dialogues about our environment, inspiring positive change." Shining a Light on Environmental Issues In a significant stride towards global awareness, the 39^th edition of the vOilah! French Film Festival is taking a bold initiative to promote environmental consciousness — a cause that resonates deeply with audiences in both France and Singapore. A dedicated segment will spotlight this critical issue, aiming to raise awareness and spark important conversations about climate change. The festival kicks off with the highly anticipated The Animal Kingdom (Le Règne Animal), directed by Thomas Cailley. Premiering as the opening film of the esteemed Un Certain Regard section at the 76^th Cannes Film Festival, this compelling tale stars Roman Duris, Paul Kircher, and Adele Exarchopoulos. Following the journey of protagonist François and his son Emile, the film unfolds in a world besieged by a mysterious plague that mutates humans into animals. This dystopian tale serves as a powerful metaphor, depicting a world ravaged by humanity's actions. "We are deeply honoured to renew our partnership with the Embassy of France for the 39^th edition of the vOilah! French Film Festival, enabling us to once again bring the latest French films to the wider audience through our theatres," shared Christopher Shaw, Senior Vice-president at Shaw Organisation. "This year, our added focus on environmental issues demonstrates that cinema serves as a powerful medium for sparking vital conversations and driving meaningful change." Other key screenings in the segment include Vibrant (Vivant) by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, a documentary exploring France's biodiversity, and Acid by Just Philippot, a thrilling tale of survival amidst a deadly acid storm. Celebrating French Film Excellence Highlighting the pinnacle of French cinema, the festival will present The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan (Les Trois Mousquetaires: D'Artagnan), a box-office sensation directed by Martin Bourboulon. Adapted from Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, this film marks the first chapter of a two-part epic saga. Boasting a stellar ensemble including Eva Green, Vincent Cassel, and François Civil, Pïo Marmai and Romain Duris, the movie promises a riveting experience for thrill-seeking movie fans. A series of acclaimed motion pictures ensues with Anatomy of a Fall, the recipient of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or, which delves into the aftermath of a mysterious death, weaving a captivating crime mystery around Sandra and her visually impaired son. Directed by Justine Triet, the film unravels a web of uncertainties, where a turbulent marriage takes centre stage in a court trial. Another title to look out for is TheTaste of Things (La Passion de Dodin-Bouffant), chosen to represent France in the Best International Feature Film category at the 96^th Academy Awards, which captures the enchanting romance between Dodin, a renowned gourmet, and her devoted cook, Eugenie. The film is directed by Tran Ang Hung, who won Best Director at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Bringing French Cinema to Everyone To make French cinema accessible to all, the festival will renew its long partnership with People's Association to host ten free screenings of family-friendly titles across 7 community clubs and integrated hubs island-wide. Audiences can look forward to catching titles such as Samuel Tourneux's 2021 animated film Around the World in 80 Days and Calamity, a Childhood of Martha Jane Cannary, which won the Cristal for a Feature Film at the 2020 Annecy International Animated Film Festival. With a focus on inclusivity, most of the screenings have been dubbed in English to ensure an enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages. T...